National Association of Community Health Centers

Advocacy Center

Health Center Advocacy Is the Key to Our Future

The Health Center Movement began with just two health centers in two communities over 50 years ago. Today, Health Centers serve over 24 million Americans at more than 9,000 delivery sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. One in every fifteen people living in the United States depends on their services. Health Centers deliver high quality, cost effective, accessible care while serving as critical economic engines helping to power local economies. Support for health centers continues to grow, despite countless economic and political changes because of grassroots advocates who informed policymakers about the Health Center Movement. 2017 is a critical year for health centers. Fundamental changes to the healthcare system could greatly impact the work of health centers. Congress is planning to repeal of major provisions of the Affordable Care Act and significant changes to Medicaid, all while they still need to address a looming 70% cut to the Health Centers Program before funding expires September 30th. Now, more than ever our advocates must communicate the value and importance of health centers to Congress to ensure that the health center program can continue to provide care to patients in need.

Become a part of the Health Center Advocacy Network. Meeting with and communicating with policy makers is only one part of advocacy. Educating your community, highlighting health centers in the media and registering people to vote are all essential elements of effective advocacy. NACHC is committed to giving health center advocates the tools they need to make their voice heard. Please use the HC Advocacy Toolkit and let us know other tools you need or questions you have by contacting us at grassroots@nachc.org.

How You Can Become a Part of the Health Center Advocacy Network

One person working to raise public awareness and build support for health centers can have a major impact. Many people working together can achieve exponentially greater gains.

As the old saying goes, it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Policy and opinion makers depend on advocates to help them understand and recognize issues that deserve their support. Without grassroots advocacy, health centers risk losing public support for their needs.